Comprehensive Dutch market data analysis shows that e-liquids with nicotine salts have both higher nicotine and flavour concentrations than those with free-base nicotine

Abstract

Objectives Recent years have seen an increase in e-liquids containing nicotine salts. Nicotine salts are less harsh and bitter than free-base nicotine and therefore can facilitate inhalation. Because inhalation-facilitating ingredients are banned in the European Union, we assessed the occurrence and characteristics of nicotine salt-containing e-liquids notified for the Netherlands. Methods We analysed data for 39 030 products, submitted by manufacturers in the European Union Common Entry Gate system, as extracted on 30 June 2020. Results Nicotine salts were present in 13% of e-liquids, especially in pod-related e-liquids (73%) and e-liquids registered from 2018 onwards (over 25%). We found six nicotine salt ingredients (NSIs): nicotine lactate, salicylate, benzoate, levulinate, ditartrate and malate. Nicotine salts also occurred as nicotine-organic acid ingredient combination (NAIC), like nicotine and benzoic acid. Nicotine concentrations were twofold higher in e-liquids with NSI (median 14 mg/mL) and NAIC (11 mg/mL) than for free-base nicotine (6 mg/mL). E-liquids with NSI contained a fourfold higher number (median n=17) and concentration (median 31.0 mg/mL) of flavour ingredients than e-liquids with free-base nicotine (n=4, 7.4 mg/mL). In NAIC-containing e-liquids, these were threefold higher (n=12, 21.5 mg/mL). E-liquids with nicotine salts were less often tobacco flavoured but more often had fruity or sweet flavours. Conclusions A substantial and increasing share of e-liquids in the Netherlands contains nicotine salts. Their characteristics can make such e-liquids more addictive and more attractive, especially to young and beginning users. Policymakers are advised to consider regulating products containing nicotine salts.